Paintings reflecting the colours of the sea and shore

Artist Statement

My return to art has been one of happenstance. Despite having canvas and paint at any given time in my life, painting what I wanted to paint got sidelined as life got in the way. Although I had painted before, my previous experience was mostly within the field of graphic art and print ads. From the inspirational ocean coastlines and forests of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, I journeyed up the Gulf of St. Lawrence into the “fleuve” to the historic city of Quebec, and finally made my way along the St. Lawrence Seaway and into the Great Lakes to my current location in the beautiful Niagara region. With these experiences I continue to paint what I love most, water and trees. Stormy seas and rippled lakes are inspiration enough for any artist, however, add the reticent personality of a tree or the intoxicating solitude of a forest and the choices are endless.

Simplicity in design and application appeals to me. I always start with a colour combination that is more felt than seen, and working wet on wet with a pallet knife I create the background first. It’s not odd for my foregrounds to be mostly silhouette, although lately I prefer multiple layers of colour and texture. Acrylic paint is my preference because I am patient and yet impatient, meaning I will work endlessly to get the painting just the way I want it, but I have no patience for paint to dry.

I want my art to catch your eye. If you can explain why you like it then I have been successful and if you can’t, then I have been successful as well.